Seven Characteristics That Distinguish Generation Z
One question I often get asked is: How is Generation Z (the youngest population being assessed today) different than Millennials? The answer? They’re distinctly different. If we have any hope of partnering with these students, we would do well to understand them. Below is an excerpt from our new book, Generation Z Unfiltered: Facing Nine…
Continue ReadingWhy Colleges Should Not Drift from Their Original Mission
In forty years of teaching and leading university students, I’ve seen the college campus evolve in a tangible way. I love some of what’s happened… but mourn other changes. Many schools that were once incubators of inquiry and critical thinking — willing to debate any and all ideas — have now become places of emotion…
Continue ReadingYou Don’t Have to Be Rich to Be Generous
Today is Giving Tuesday—but I don’t plan to ask you to give to our philanthropic work at Growing Leaders. Instead, I want to tell you a story and challenge you to do something in response to it. Dozens of you responded to my request for stories of generosity. Below is one of them I felt…
Continue ReadingExpressing Gratitude This Thanksgiving
“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a gift and not giving it.” —William Arthur Ward Let’s give the gift away today. – Tim
Continue ReadingThe Secret Skill of the Best Coaches Today
Have you heard the news? California appears to be the first state to pass legislation that will compensate student-athletes for their names and images. California’s governor Gavin Newsom signed into law a bill that allows athletes attending California universities to earn money from their names, images, and likeness rights, starting in 2023. This means jerseys,…
Continue ReadingThree Priorities of the 2020 Principal of the Year
Last month, one of the administrators we work with and admire was named the 2020 National Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Her name is Kerensa Wing. She has served as principal of Collins Hill High School in Gwinnett County for the last five years but has worked as…
Continue ReadingHow Two Teachers Made a Life-Changing Impact
Each week, leading up to “Giving Tuesday,” I decided to post a story illustrating the “art of generosity.” Instead of asking you to give to our non-profit, we chose to offer a handful of stories of generous people, then challenge you to find your own young person nearby and practice generosity. Below is the story…
Continue ReadingMy Personal Reflections as I Turn 60
It’s hard for me to believe, but on November 22nd, I turn 60 years old. I feel awkward even writing that down. I don’t feel 60. In my younger years, everyone I knew who was 60 seemed…well…old. Not anymore. 60 is the new 50, as far as I’m concerned. And while I don’t plan on…
Continue ReadingWhat Generation Z Likes & Doesn’t Like
Twice a year, Piper Jaffrey (an independent banking company) surveys almost 10,000 teens to discover what they like, what they don’t like, and what they care about. (Respondents are from 42 states; this year, the average respondent’s age was about 16.) The company just released its latest report (Fall, 2019), and I thought you’d enjoy…
Continue ReadingEight Sticky Traits of Uncommon Leaders
Years ago, I spoke at an awards banquet for a large corporation on the West Coast. A woman named Julia received an “uncommon leadership” award that evening for taking her department to an entirely new level of performance. Her team had doubled their results, year-over-year, even in the midst of a budget cut. She and…
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